Do you have experience collaborating with dispatchers, yardmasters, engineers and other train crew?
Cross-functional communication is one of the keys to a successful day at the Canadian National Railway Company. Share your background in collaborating with other departments and job functions such as dispatch, yard crew, locomotive engineers, and general train crew. If you're new to the industry, or to your career, with limited cross-functional experience, you can try focusing your feedback on any volunteer work, or experience from your post-secondary education.
"I have worked in rail transport for the past eight years, collaborating with a variety of job functions every day. On a regular day, I speak with dispatch, the train crew, and our engineers multiple times per day. I am a strong communicator, both verbally and written. One of my strengths is in my documentation and reporting skills."
"The bulk of my collaborative work comes from a couple of large group projects while obtaining my certificate in locomotive engineering. I also completed my internship at ABC Railroad, which allowed me to learn how engineers collaborate with other departments such as dispatch and crew. I look forward to furthering my exposure to cross-functional collaboration when I join Canadian National Railway Company."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I do not, but I do have experience dispatching and dealing with employees in the field (site foreman, truck drivers, loading operators) to make sure operations were done safely and efficiently.
Rachelle's Feedback
This experience is highly transferable, which is great. I recommend re-wording to stay away from 'I do not' statements. I've offered an example, below.
"I have experience dispatching and dealing with employees in the field. This experience includes collaborating with site foremen, truck drivers, and loading operators to make sure operations are completed safely and efficiently."
Anonymous Answer
No, I do not.
Amanda's Feedback
You can give this response more of a positive spin by going on to talk about the experience you do have working with project supervisors, other heavy machinery operators, or construction crews. While the experience may not be identical, it is similar and requires many of the same skills such as the ability to listen carefully, follow instructions, adapt to changing conditions, and collaborate with others to stay on schedule and operate safely.
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